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Hangola January 1, 1999

Though a few of us flew at the Rock today, it seems like Woodstock was the place to be. (We heard lots of radio chatter about flying up to the North point and being 1600 over.) Brian Hardwick, Marc and Ed all launched in strong, but reasonable, conditions before 2:00. But the winds soon picked up and it was just howlin' at launch for another two hours. All three had flights of about 45 minutes to an hour and reported very strong conditions in the air. It backed down at 4:00 and I was able to launch in a lull, followed by Mike Buckley, Raean and Brian Vant Hull. We all got around 40 minutes. Mike reported his thermometer reading 14 degrees F. But thanks to the magic of polar fleece and toe heaters, I never got cold even at 1000 over. Judy-Judy opted not to fly since she was already frozen by the time winds eased up. Craig almost got into the air but the freight trains returned to launch by the time he got up on the block and the wire crew became organized. Karen came out to lend a hand and enjoy the freezing temps.

Matthew (hoping for a big snowfall, of Karen and Matthew)

Pete, Tom and I were on our way to High Rock. Just before leaving, the weather forecast had been upgraded from 10 - 15 to 15 - 20. We were debating the hike up the back, we had already passed Route 66, but we flipped a coin and turned around.

So add me to the "Hike up the back of Woodstock" Club! It was a nice hike. The porters carried my gear up, but I chose to take the leisurely walk up instead of riding the chair lift. Well, OK, it was a little more difficult than that, but it was a nice hike in.

Winds were actually light when we got there, and we were worried about sleds. But by the time we were ready, it was blown out! We waited about 30 minutes and it backed down, and by the time Tom self launched, he had to wait for a stronger cycle. We all got up, we all flew up to the north end, getting from +1500 to +1900 max altitude. Pete got 2 hours, I had 1:45, and Tom had about 1:30. Then we jumped over the back, had three successful landings, and hiked 2 miles back to the car. We made it to the car just as it became dark and the moon was rising over the mountain. A great way to start the New Year.

* Mike Balk

Some miscellaneous New Year observations compiled here for your enjoyment:
* We've had to hike up the back of Woodstock every time this year!
* I observed that I was on a record setting pace of getting 656 hours of airtime this year! (Since I am not flying Sat or Sun, that pace has plummeted to only 218 hours of airtime.)
* I haven't flown any other sites but Woodstock this year.
* I've had to drive every time this year. I wish Tom would hurry up and get his new truck.
(I had more of these in the car on the way home, but you are in luck since I can't remember them this morning!)

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This page last updated January 3, 1999